- Aikido News/Interviews
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- Hombu Shihan’s Visit to Japan Arts Centre
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- Takeshi Yamashima Sensei
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Takeshi Yamashima Sensei, 7th Dan Aikikai Hombu Shihan based in Tokyo, was a recent visitor to the Japan Arts Centre Seishinkan Dojo. Mark Thompson Sensei was very proud to host Yamashima Sensei at the dojo for a class, which was his last engagement in a tour of the United Kingdom that included visits to Manchester, Cardiff, Bath and Bristol.
This was Sensei’s second visit to the Dojo. He was originally invited to teach at the Dojo in 2008 by Alister Gillies Sensei. Alister met Yamashima Sensei while in Tokyo in 2007.
- Teaching Focus
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Yamashima Sensei’s class focussed on basic Aikido techniques and principles, emphasising centre to centre connection and relaxation of the upper body as a way of developing power and maximising the benefits of practice.
- Demonstration
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It was a special treat to have such high quality Aikido demonstrated and taught at Seishinkan Dojo. Yamashima Sensei made a point of moving around the class and training with everyone there, which was a great opportunity for beginners and seniors alike to ‘feel’ his technique. We look forward to seeing him back at the Japan Arts Centre later this year.
- Background History
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Yamashima Sensei has studied Aikido for over 40 years. He commenced training at Aikido Hombu Dojo in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Yamashima’s main teacher was Seigo Yamaguchi (1924 - 1996). Earlier in his Aikido career he studied with Sadateru Arikawa Sensei (1930-2003) and Mitsugi Saotome Sensei.
Yamashima Sensei travels extensively throughout Pacific area and Europe teaching his relaxed but powerful Aikido. Sensei regularly attends Hombu Dojo’s morning classes with Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba in Tokyo, as well as running two other Dojos in the wider Tokyo area. Sensei is also a licensed Yagyu Shinkage-ryu instructor, and has studied this kenjutsu style for many years.
Written by Partrick Crogan Sensei
